{"id":7738,"date":"2017-08-22T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2017-08-22T13:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=7738"},"modified":"2017-08-17T21:27:11","modified_gmt":"2017-08-18T01:27:11","slug":"visit-vysehrad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=7738","title":{"rendered":"Visit Vy\u0161ehrad!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Yes, there is another castle in Prague…well, sort of.<\/p>\n

Situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the Vltava River, Vy\u0161ehrad, or “The Castle on the Heights”, was established in the mid 10th century and according to local legends, the oldest seat of Bohemian rulers and was probably the location of the first settlement which later became Prague.<\/p>\n

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\"\"After the Prague Castle’s origins, the deteriorating castle of\u00a0Vy\u0161ehrad was abandoned as a royal home. \u00a0After renovations by Charles IV, new fortifications with two gates and a royal palace were added to the complex. \u00a0Later, however, after the Hussite Wars, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. \u00a0Renovations during the 17th century established it as a Baroque fortress, a training center for the Austrian Army and later incorporated the fort into the Baroque city walls around Prague.<\/p>\n

\"\"Today, Vysehrad is a place of recreation as well as history. \u00a0Czech citizens visit the grounds, which have now become a public park, for amusement, relaxation and celebration. \u00a0Tourists visit to see the many architectural treasures on the site.<\/p>\n

There are four gates located in the complex. \u00a0The Brick Gate (Ciheln\u00e1 br\u00e1na), built in the Empire style in 1841, is made up of a passageway and two pedestrian passages flanked by two guard rooms. \u00a0The 17th century Tabor Gate, which was our entry point and the main entrance was built by King Charles IV and leads to the 17th century Leopold Gate. \u00a0You can also find the remains of the \u0160pi\u010dka Gate.<\/p>\n

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Tabor Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Leopold Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walking through the peaceful grounds, we admired the sculpture that graced the premises as well as the breathtaking views along the ramparts overlooking the Vltava River.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Marveling over the Rotunda of St. Martin, it was astonishing that this rare, Romanesque building still stands strong today. \u00a0Built in the 11th century, it is one of Prague’s oldest surviving buildings. \u00a0Used for gunpowder storage during the Thirty Years’ War, it is now used for religious purposes. \u00a0When admiring this ancient edifice, be sure to seek out the cannonball from the Prussian rampage in 1758, which is embedded in the facade to the right of the window.<\/p>\n

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The neo-Gothic Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was a landmark that I would love to have visited, however, a wedding was being held during the time we were there and we were not admitted into the church. \u00a0The basilica, founded in 1070-1080 and later rebuilt after a devastating fire, features an impressive stone mosaic above the entry and twin spires that can be seen from many locations throughout Prague.<\/p>\n

\"\"Behind the church is the Vy\u0161ehrad cemetery, the final resting place of many famous Czechs, including author Karel Capek, composers Anton\u00edn Dvor\u00e1k and Bed\u0159ich Smetana and artist Alphonse Mucha as well as many other scribes and politicians.<\/p>\n

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To the right of the basilica, check out the huge statues, designed by Josef Mysbek, which depict figures of Czech Mythology. \u00a0The four statues show an allegorical couple, “Lum\u00edr and Pise\u0148” (singer and muse), “Ctirad and\u00a0\u0160\u00e1rka” (temptress who lured him to his death in the 7th century War of the Maidens), “Z\u00e1boj and Slavoj” (warriors who fought off a Frankish incursion in the 9th century) and ” Libu\u0161e and P\u0159emysl” (mythical founders of Prague).<\/p>\n

\"\"In order to explore all of Vy\u0161ehrad, you’ll need a few hours and it helps to have a beautiful day! \u00a0Bring a picnic or indulge at one of the caf\u00e9s, and don’t forget to spend some time looking out over the river and the city views…sunset can be quite impressive! \u00a0But, no matter what time of day you visit…just do!<\/p>\n

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Check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe for more pictures.<\/p>\n

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Vy\u0161ehrad<\/strong><\/p>\n